20-Public Safety Officer - ClickHEREfor upcoming course dates and program brochure
Security guards, also called security officers/safety officers, patrol and inspect property to protect against fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism and illegal activity. They protect their employer's property, enforce laws on the property, deter criminal activity and other problems. These workers may be armed. They use various forms of telecommunications to call for assistance from police, fire or emergency medical services. Security guards write comprehensive reports outlining their observations and activities during their assigned shift. They also may interview witnesses or victims, prepare case reports and testify in court.

License and CertificationIllinois law require that guards be licensed. To be licensed as a guard, individuals must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check and complete classroom training in such subjects as property rights, emergency procedures and detention of suspected criminals. Drug testing often is required and may be ongoing and random. Guards who carry weapons must be licensed by the appropriate government authority and some receive further certification as special police officers, allowing them to make limited types of arrests while on duty. Armed guard positions also have more stringent background checks and entry requirements than those of unarmed guards.

Salary EstimatesAccording to the Bureau of Labor of Statistics (BLS), employment of security guards is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014
to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Overall job opportunities should be excellent, especially for security guards. Median annual wage for surveillance officers and gaming investigators was $31,170 in May 2015.

Course Description: This course meets the requirements of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as outlined in the Detective Act. It covers security fundamentals for new officers and provides a review for experienced employees who want to earn state certification. This course, along with a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC), is needed for employees of private security agencies.

20-HOUR FIREARMSArmed officers in Illinois need 40 hours of instruction in order to be certified by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to carry a firearm in the line of duty. After completing a 20-hours basic course, students enroll in this 20-hour firearms class to become state certified. Two days of classroom instruction and a written examination are followed by another day on the live fire range for final qualification.

A current Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) is a prerequisite to receive firearms training at Triton College. Your FOID card must be presented to the firearms instructor at the beginning of the first day of class. Out-of-state students are exempt from this requirement.

Course Description: Armed officers in Illinois need 40 hours of instruction in order to be certified by the Illinois DFPR to carry a firearm in the line of duty. After completing a 20-hour basic course, students enroll in this 20-hour firearms class to become state certified. Classroom instruction is followed by a written test and range qualification. NOTE: A current Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification Card (FOID) is a prerequisite to receive firearms training at Triton College. Your FOID card must be presented to the firearms instructor at the beginning of the first day of class. (Out-of state residents are exempt from this requirement).